Results of measuring college participation rates for the period 1973-1979 are discussed. After reviewing the literature surrounding the decision to attend college, the study design and basic data employed in the study are discussed. Two sets of indicators of college participation are examined, along with ways that the data can be used to test the feasibility of various public policy options. Data were collected from civilian, noninstitutionalized persons 18-34 years old, based on the Census Bureau's Current Population Surveys for October. College participation rates are presented by five dimensions: geographic region, age, sex, race, and family income level. Additionally, full-time attendance for four age groups (18-21, 22-24, 25-29, and 30-34) are indicated for the five dimensions. Full-time attendance rates for males and females and for whites and non-whites are also indicated. The study data are also applied to the following concerns: participation rates required to offset demographically-induced enrollment decline, and overall unemployment and college participation rates by region. Appendices include a comparison of Bureau of the Census estimates of college enrollments with those derived from the Higher Education General Information Survey. (SW)